Dress It Up or Dress It Down

Every day we think about what we should wear and how we should wear it. Casual? Dressy? Sophisticated? Athletic? This may be dictated by an occasion, our mood or emotions we are feeling, the surroundings we are in, or the circumstances we are facing. We consciously or subconsciously are representing something about our self. The same goes for your home.

Although a home is not living, it should not lack emotion, personality, or life. Everything we put in it, from the hard surfaces we choose to the art on the wall begins to tell the story about the home and who lives there. Windows and window coverings play a vital role in this process. They are one of the outlining details that tell the story. They let the reader in…or keep them out.

As an interior designer, it is my job and goal to help homeowners define their style and create spaces that reflect their personality and function for their daily life. I take cues from something as important as the architectural style of the home to something as simple as the shoes a person is wearing. My goal with this post is to give you some of your own cues or tips to help dress your windows appropriately.

2) Work with the home’s architecture: It’s always important to pay respect to the architecture of the home when designing interiors. I will use an example of two different design styles—contemporary vs. traditional. Often contemporary homes have large windows and expansive glass. Beauty lies within the detail of simplicity. Therefore, refrain from covering it up. Use a honeycomb or roller shade, which can mount inside the window opening and retract to a small head-rail. Make the headrail or valance the same color as the trim so it fades away. You gain the functional aspect of a window covering—lowering during the heat of the day to help with cooling and UV protection or at night for privacy—without taking away from the home’s design, views, and architectural features. In a traditional home, focus is on the details—detailed mouldings, mix of textures and materials, and elements from classical architecture. Use this opportunity to play with fabrics and pattern. Consider a roman shade, draperies, or some of the excellent privacy and light controlling products.

Source: Blackstone Edge

3) Bring in elements of nature: If you are having a hard time deciding on a window covering material, look at a woven wooden shade. Bringing in elements of nature, such as the reeds, grasses, and woods used in a woven wooden shade instantly brings interest to your windows. It conveys a sense of warmth and informality, while adding texture and visual interest to the space.

Source: Blackstone Edge

4) Don’t be afraid of layering: In some homes, layering your window coverings is a stylish approach to addressing functional needs. Consider an inside mount shade with outside mount draperies. The shade becomes the functioning element of the window treatment—creating privacy and light filtration. The draperies, still a functioning element, can now be left open to frame the window. It creates the opportunity to visually increase the height of the space and add depth and personality to the room. Use this opportunity to mix the materials for the two window treatments; and don’t be afraid to mix pattern on pattern. This can be high a impact element in the room.

Considering these four designer suggestions will you help with your window covering selection. Dress your windows to help tell the story of your home and all who lives there. Since selecting window coverings can be a daunting and costly task,3 Day Blindsis a great resource. Browse their product selection to become familiar with product and portfolio images for inspiration, or call for a free home consultation- 800-700-1860.